retail woes

A discount retailer is moving into the former Sports Authority at Bee Ridge and Cattlemen roads.

Pennsylvania-based Ollie’s Bargain Outlet has finalized a lease for 42,000-square-foot space in the Publix-anchored Centergate Plaza.

The retailer currently operates 244 stores in 20 states and carries a wide assortment of brand-name discounted inventory such as housewares, flooring, food and cosmetic supplies. The company’s buyers seek out closeouts, overstocks, package changes and manufacturer refurbished goods to stock its stores. Ollie’s also works with insurance companies to purchase undamaged salvage inventory from stores that have experienced floods or fires, according to the company’s website.

Ollie’s currently operates 11 stores in Florida and expects to open up to four stores in the Tampa Sarasota and Bradenton markets before the end of the year.

The Centergate Plaza Ollie’s, expected to open in the fourth quarter, will bring the shopping center to 100 percent occupancy. The site has been empty since Sports Authority closed all of its stores nationwide in mid-2016.

The shopping center is also home to Bealls Outlet and Tile Outlets of America, and other major retailers such as Burlington Coat Factory, McDonald’s, LA Fitness, Walgreens, Panera Bread, Bank of America and T-Mobile operate stores at this intersection.